Granville Calhoun
The narrative centers on a man who aspired to serve as County Judge for a final term, aiming to complete a thirty-year tenure. However, he faces betrayal as his friends abandon him for his rivals, leading to his defeat in the election. Consumed by a desire for revenge, he instills this bitterness in his four sons, fostering a cycle of resentment. This obsession with retaliation ultimately results in his paralysis, a metaphorical and literal consequence of his unyielding anger and desire for power. As he reflects on his life, he questions whether his sons achieved true power and wealth or merely perpetuated a cycle of exploitation, serving their own interests rather than the community. The imagery of his confinement, watching from his window surrounded by canaries, symbolizes his lost freedom and the emptiness of his ambitions. The old courthouse, a reminder of his past aspirations, looms large in his thoughts, representing both his failures and the legacy he has passed on to his sons. The work explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of vengeance, illustrating how personal desires can corrupt familial bonds and societal responsibilities. The protagonist's introspection reveals a deep sense of regret and a recognition of the futility of his pursuits, ultimately questioning the values he imparted to the next generation. The narrative serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of power, the impact of personal grievances, and the complexities of familial relationships.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Drama · 175 words
First lines
I wanted to be County Judge One more term, so as to round out a service Of thirty years.
But my friends left me and joined my enemies, And they elected a new man.
Then a spirit of revenge seized me, And I infected my four sons with it, And I brooded upon retaliation, Until the great physician, Nature, Smote me through with paralysis To give my soul and body a rest.
Did my sons get power and money?
What this Textopian page supports
Granville Calhoun is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Granville Calhoun by Edgar Lee Masters
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of ambition, revenge, and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Poetry — The text employs a lyrical style and structured verse, aligning it with poetic forms.
- Drama — The internal conflict and emotional depth suggest elements of dramatic storytelling.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and themes reflect historical societal issues, placing it within a historical context.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Autobiographical Elements · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Midwestern Setting · Small Town Life · Family Dynamics · Marriage Issues · Mental Health · Isolation